The inspiration for my career in manufacturing was a two-step experience. In high school, I was lost and had no idea which direction I wanted to pursue. Back in the 80’s there were two distinct pathways, college, or a shop class. Since I could not decide, our mechanical drafting teacher decided to press me to see what I could understand. Thanks to his actions, he discovered an strength and interest in me I completed 3 years of drafting curriculum in the 10th grade. The following year I was placed in Elementary Tool & Die of which I had no idea what it was. That teacher set me on a pathway which has provided me with a lifetime of career and financial security. My shop instructor was an extraordinary man and prepared all of us for the working world. We all hit the ground running. I have not been unemployed one day since graduation in 1983.
I was also very fortunate to have a father who was a welder who sacrificed everything for our family. One of my first employers taught me how to work hard and get the job done. His drive and example for leadership prepared me for any task and how to problem solve anything mechanical.
In 1999, after 16 years at Sikorsky Aircraft, the aerospace engineers began suggesting I consider teaching. I laughed. These engineers mentored me for years and now were pushing me to leave the company. One close friend told me directly that I could offer much more to young people who might want to be machinists than remaining at the company. They told me I had taught many of them how to machine the designs they created. This ultimately made them better designers. So, I applied and was immediately offered the job at Platt Tech. I’ve been there ever since. I am a product of my mentors.
For the past 25 years I have had the blessing of being able to provide the same opportunities for people that those teachers and mentors provided for me.